Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Delhi High Court, calling for immediate medical assistance for activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk is currently undertaking an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations of paper leaks and systemic discrepancies in education.
Key Details of the Petition
The legal plea, initiated by activist lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, urges the Central and Delhi administrations to admit Wangchuk to a medical facility and initiate force-feeding. According to the petition:
- Critical Health Status: Wangchuk’s physical condition is declining swiftly; he has already shed 8.5 kg, and the plea warns his life could be in jeopardy within 48 hours if the fast persists.
- National Reputation: The document notes that a fatal outcome would bring immense global and national dishonor.
- Alleged Government Neglect: The PIL accuses authorities of treating the activist with the severity reserved for major criminals or insurgents, displaying total apathy toward his well-being.
“The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for human body to survive.” — Excerpt from the petition
Background of the Protest
The petitioner emphasized that while public faith in the nation’s collective conscience may be wavering, confidence in the judiciary remains intact, prompting the appeal for court-ordered life-saving measures.
Wangchuk commenced his hunger strike on June 28, aligning with ongoing demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
- The Movement: The CJP originated as a digital satirical campaign created by a Boston-based individual named Dipke, quickly finding a following among youth on social media.
- The Objectives: The group utilizes political irony to critique broader societal issues like unemployment, institutional transparency, and press freedom. They have been actively demonstrating for the education minister’s step-down since June 20
